FaithWriters.com news and information for the write-brained Christian!

"Then he told them many things in parables…" - Matthew 13:3

We all know that Jesus often spoke in parables. But not only was storytelling one of our Savior's preferred methods of speaking, the Bible itself is filled with real stories of real people. In fact, the Bible IS one continuous story. It is the story of God's love for us.

Why didn't God just hand us a book of rules and guidelines? Why not a flowery book of poetry or an essay explaining just the facts? Well, let's face it. Stories are fun. They're entertaining. They include "ah-ha" moments that touch our hearts and affect our minds. People relate best to stories.

Isn't it cool that as writers, we are in sync with God in that way? We, too, are creators. Wordsmiths. Storytellers. The next time you sit down at the computer to write, think about God smiling down on you as you use your talents for His glory. As you tap into the gift He placed inside of you. The gift of story.

Be sure to check out the Out of the Mouths of FaithWriters section at the end of this newsletter to see which Bible character some of your fellow FaithWriters members would love to take to lunch.

------

FAITHWRITERS CONFERENCE UPDATE

Registration for the FaithWriters conference is now open! And WOW - what a lineup! From dynamic speakers and a myriad of workshop options to professional critiques and manuscript pitching, you definitely won't want to miss it!

NOTE: Cheep! Cheep! The early bird gets the "cheep" rate! Save $10 when you register by June 5th!

Here are some basic details and quick links:

THEME: Nurturing the Whole Writer. By the end of the conference, you will be spiritually, physically, creatively, and emotionally refreshed through prayer, fun, and fellowship with like-minded writers.

So have you checked out the FaithWriters blog? If not, you're missing out on news, updates, and interactive fun! We recently introduced daily themes, which help to keep things consistent and flowing smoothly. Here is the weekly blog schedule:

MONDAY - Member Spotlight. Put on your sunglasses as we shine the spotlight on FaithWriters members! This feature includes interviews, as well as provides an opportunity to cheer each other on and rejoice in the successes of friends and fellow Christian writers. So bring your party hat as we celebrate YOU!

TUESDAY - Tackle It Tuesday. We know how much you love a good challenge. But do you have what it takes to tackle a topic in 50 words or less? If so, grab your helmet and go for the tackle!

THURSDAY - Thursday Three AND Thirsty Thursday. The first three Thursdays of the month you'll find a list of three things relating to a specific topic. For example, the first week we listed three things some writers can't write without. Members weighed in with their suggestions, too, making it lots of fun. We've dubbed the fourth (and fifth?) Thursday of the month, Thirsty Thursday. On these days, we'll post a helpful and/or entertaining article on writing to quench your thirst for becoming a better writer.

FRIDAY - Unfocused Friday. As the title suggests, Friday is completely without agenda. You may find a comic strip, a FaithWriters update, or even a fun contest. You never know what you'll find but that's what makes it fun!Be sure you subscribe so you don't miss anything! Looking forward to connecting with you! http://faithwriters.com/blogDon't forget about the two other ways to connect with FaithWriters online.

This has probably been the most fun and silly Challenge we've had in a long time. How could it NOT be fun with topics like "Phew!" "Eek!" "Shhh…" and "Huh?"

Not a GOLD or PLATINUM member? Upgrade your account today! There are still two topics left in the quarter so you still have time to play along. http://www.faithwriters.com/finish-signup.php. Remember, the GOLD level includes access to The Writing Challenge (plus a whole lot more) at a very affordable price.

OTHER THAN JESUS, WHAT ONE BIBLE CHARACTER WOULD YOU INVITE TO LUNCH AND WHY?

Here are some of the characters your fellow FaithWriters members would love to have lunch with:

"Peter has always struck a chord with me. He's just so human - he fails miserably, yet he has an incredible encounter with the merciful love of Jesus that completely transforms his life. I'd love to hear Peter's stories firsthand who Jesus was to him." - Kate Reimer

"Hagar. Alone. Outcast. Despised. Desperate. She still had the sense to trust God and obey.What a woman!" - Arlene Showalter

"I would love to sit down and talk with David. Through all the failures and hardships, he turned to writing and worship and I can really identify with him." - Roni Luther

"I would invite Eve so I could see if she'd eat the fruit salad. :) Actually, I would invite BOTH Adam and Eve to see if she offers the salad to Adam first this time and then follows his lead." - Tammy "Rubywoman" Johnson.

"Barabbas: I would ask him what it felt like to know that he was free to walk away from that prison and how it affected the way he lived his life after that moment." - Joyce Rice

"It would probably be Solomon because he was the wisest man who ever lived. Also, I've always wondered if all of his wives had to have name tags. - Brian Haugrud

Next month's question: I asked this same question two years ago. But I love it so much, I'm posing it again. I know we'll get a lot of wonderful and creative responses.